Used Car Hunter: mile-munching saloons for £6,000
Our Car Hunter has £6,000 for a comfortable and cheap saloon that can cope with a high mileage
Dear Auto Express, I’m after a comfy, mile-munching saloon car, but my budget is a relatively lowly £6,000 – what do you recommend? - Geoff Tooley, By E-mail
A budget of £6,000 is not a lot to spend on a used car these days, and if you want something with a bit of luxury, you’re going to have to compromise somewhere.
Traditionally, wise money would opt for a slightly older model with lower mileage over a higher-mileage newer variant with fresher styling and more bells and whistles. However, given that the nation’s keeping their cars longer than ever and the ever increasing cost to buy a new car, it’s becoming harder to find those gems.
It’s not the end of the world, with many well looked-after cars, especially in this premium segment, taking high mileage in their stride. Given the price requirements, the options are limited so expect some higher mileage examples, which shouldn’t be an issue if the cars have been properly maintained. These are the three ‘executive’ choices that would tempt us.
Here's our expert pick for three of the best mile munching saloons you can get for under £6,000, together with links to buy them through our Find a Car service…
BMW 3 Series - the driver’s choice
- For: Sporty chassis, powerful and efficient engines
- Against: Style has moved on, practicality isn’t great
To find a BMW 3 Series in budget and with reasonable miles, you’ll be looking at 10 to 12-year-old sixth-generation/F30 cars. Newer Mk7 models introduced from 2018 – especially from dealers – are likely to have massive miles on the clock, which will put off many buyers.
Nicely looked-after F30s sold privately would be our favoured option for a car of this age, and we found a good selection of 2013 318d, 320i and 320d models with attractive histories priced between £5,500 and £6,500.
Owners like the F30 3 Series, which arrived in 2013 with styling that was a little more conservative than some of its contemporary BMW stablemates. It was hugely popular, but looks a little dated today.
More importantly, the F30’s exceptional driver appeal has not diminished over the years, and if you opt for a punchier 320i or 320d over the entry-level 318i, you’ll enjoy the oomph to match the refinement of the chassis. There are plenty of more muscular options for buyers blessed with bigger budgets, but 60mpg diesel variants are within your range.
See our used BMW 3 Series deals
Mercedes C-Class - the mini-cabber’s choice
- For: Elegance and style, luxurious cabin, comfortable ride
- Against: Less engaging to drive than rivals
Again, you’ll be looking back two generations to find a C-Class with reasonably low miles, which means the third-gen W204 launched in 2007 and was facelifted in 2011 with its improved dashboard, swoopier lamps and LED tail-lights. Through the Auto Express marketplace you can find a sub-80k 2013 C200 CDI within budget.
As with the BMW, there’s a multitude of engine options for those with bigger budgets, but for most drivers, the entry-level petrol and diesel engines will be sufficiently rewarding and decently economical.
Unlike the previous-generation C-Class, which some felt was a bit below par for the company, this W204 generation was a definite return to form for Mercedes. The car’s quality and reliability should be excellent, and compared with the 3 Series (above), the C-Class leans towards a more comfortable and luxurious ride, without its rival’s more overtly sporting feel.
See our used Mercedes C-Class deals
Jaguar XF - the chairman’s choice
- For: Luxury, style and great chassis dynamics
- Against: Higher running costs and repair bills
Jaguar’s follow-up to the S-Type was a hit that didn’t only look and feel good, but also drove beautifully. And while it’s from a class higher than the 3 Series and E-Class, that means you’re getting a bigger and more luxurious car for your cash.
If you want a low mileage, you might have to look for a slightly older model to stay on budget. Also consider a diesel to keep fuel costs down. We’ve seen 2013 2.2d Sport XFs with under 100k miles from just under £6,000. A full service history is advisable.
The Jaguar XF was introduced to rave reviews in 2008, and racked up multiple awards, including Auto Express Car of The Year. It also scored first place in the 2009 Driver Power survey, and was a regular fixture in the top five for the next five years. In 2013, the XF was facelifted with more aggressive headlights and an updated front end.
Its qualities are still there to be appreciated, including a fine, high-quality cabin with its bespoke ‘gentleman’s club’ feel, and a superlative chassis that’s full of finesse and feel for appreciative drivers. Petrol variants can be a bit thirsty, but diesels are pleasantly refined once you’re up and running.
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